Vocational PE

Introduction to Cambridge National Sports Studies 

The OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Sport Studies is a two-year course aimed at students aged 14-16 years and will develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills that can be used in the Exercise, Physical Activity, Sport and Health sector. The course comprises three main units:

R184: Contemporary issues in sport: This is assessed by a terminal exam taken at the end of Year 11 (worth 40% of the final grade).

By completing this unit students will understand a range of topical and contemporary issues in sport, including learning about participation levels and barriers to completing sporting activities. Students will also learn how participation is impacted by the promotion of values and ethical behaviour, about the role of high-profile sporting events, the role of national governing bodies and how technology is used in within sport. Topics include:

• Issues which affect participation in sport.
• The role of sport in promoting values.
• The implications of hosting a major sporting event for a city or country.
• The role National Governing Bodies (NGBs) play in the development of their sport.
• The use of technology in sport.

R185: Performance and leadership in sports activities: This is assessed by a set controlled assignment (worth 40% of the final grade).

In this unit students will have an opportunity to develop their skills both as a performer in two different sporting activities, and as a leader, developing a range of transferable skills. Students will work both independently and as part of a team, including communicating with team mates as well as being in front of an audience when they perform. Students will perform under pressure, both as a participant and as a leader, and will use their initiative to solve problems and make decisions. Finally, students will deal with rapidly changing conditions and situations. Topics include:

• Key components of performance.
• Applying practice methods to support improvement in a sporting activity.
• Organising and planning a sports activity session.
• Leading a sports activity session.
• Reviewing your own performance in planning and leading a sports activity session.

R186: Sports and the media: This is assessed by a set controlled assignment (worth 20% of the final grade)

In this unit students will understand the different sides of a range of media sources and apply real life examples to show the nature of the relationship between media and sport. Students will also learn how rapid development in technology is enabling sport to be viewed, replayed and discussed whenever and wherever the spectator wants. Students will then develop their ability to evaluate and interpret the different ways in which sport is represented by the media. Topics include:

• The different sources of media that cover sport.
• Positive effects of the media in sport.
• Negative effects of the media in sport.

Career Pathways

Completing this course will help students progress onto further study in the Exercise, Physical Activity, Sport and Health sector. This may be Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as the Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity, AS or A-Levels, such as Physical Education, Psychology, Sociology, Sport or Media or an apprenticeship in Community activator coach, Leisure team members, Personal trainer or Outdoor activity instructor.